Biology I

Duration

28h Th, 36h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Jacques Dommes

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Content :
Chapter 0 : basic chemistry and organic chemistry
Part I : The cell
Chapter 1 : Structure and finctions of macromolecules
Chapter 2 : Structure of the cell et functions of its components
Chapter 3 : From the gene to the protein
Chapter 4 : Bioenergetics
Chapter 5 : Cell division
Part II : Reproduction and genetics
Chapter 6 : Sexual reproduction, meiosis and development cycles in Eukaryotes
Chapter 7 : Introduction to genetics
Chapter 8 : Regulation of gene expression
Part III : Reproduction and development of higher plants
Chapter 9 : Plant histology, growth and development
Chapter 10 : Sexual reproduction in plants
Part IV : Reproduction and development in animals
Chapter 11 : Animal reproduction
Chapter 12 : Embryogenesis

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The main objective of this course is to give an overview of the different domains of the life sciences so that the student will be prepared to the more specialised courses of the next years.

A second objective is to introduce the experimental approach of the life sciences.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Basic knowledge of organic chemistry.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Practicals and exercises will illustrate the different parts of the theoretical course. The student will use the experimental approach to study living organisms. Participation to the practicles and exercices is mandatory. In case of absence, the student could not have access to the exams.
The following topics will be studied :
1 : Study of cell morphology 2 : Cell ultrastructure 3 - 4 : Osmosis and membrane permeability 5 : Bioenergetics 7 : Mitosis and meiosis 8 : Genetics 9 : Plant anatomy 10 : Flowers and fruits
Participation to the practical courses is mandatory. In case of repeated unjustified absence, the student will not be admitted to the exam.  Any absence for medical or family problems should be justified through a valid certificate send to the Student Office of the Veterinary Faculty and to s.brouwers@ulg.ac.be (within one week after return).
The student should arrive on due time (either 8:00 am or 2:00) at each practical course. In case of late arrival, he or she will not be admitted into the lecture room during the introductory presentation. At the end of each practical course, the student has to clean up its working area and to tidy away all material according to given instructions. Penalty for any lack of tidiness or any damage to the equipment will be a score of 0/20 for the practical course.
A document describing the rules of the practicals is included in the guide book. These rules are part of the present pedagogic contract.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

One or two theoretical lectures each week of the first semester (duration of lectures: 2 hours). Most lectures are organised in one of the classrooms of the Sart Tilman campus. Exceptionnally lectures could be organised downtown.
One practical course every week during the first semester. Each practical course lasts 3.5 - 4 hours. Location : Institute of Zoology, Quai Van Beneden, Liege downtown (1st floor), except Transcription - traduction that will be organised in lecture rooms on the Sart Tilman campus.

Recommended or required readings

"Campbell Biologie" 9th edition, (2012), Pearson Education, ISBN 978-2-7613-5065-5.
"Guide de Travaux Pratiques de Biologie 1" (compulsory for the practicals). Available at Edition de l'ULg,Bâtiment B8, 2ème étage, Boulevard du Rectorat 9, Sart Tilman - 4000 Liège.

Powerpoint presentation and other documents available on MyULg (eCampus).
The following book can be helpfull for preparing the exams: « Biologie Cellulaire - Exercices et Méthodes », 2nd edition (2016), M. Thiry, P. Rigo, S. Racano, Dunod, ISBN 978-2-10-075485-4

Assessment methods and criteria

1. Tests and problem solving during practical courses Written evaluation tests will be organised during some practical courses or online. Exercises and reports made during the practicals will also be evaluated. Altogether these activities represent 10% of the total score (not taken into account for the September session).
2. First session of exams This test will concern not only the content of theoretical lessons, but also the practical courses. The test consist in a MCQ, definitions, open questions and problem solving. The total score include that obtained for this written exam and the score obtained during practicals. In case of a mark lower than 10/20, the student will have a second chance during the May-June exams.
3. August - September exams
Same conditions as for the first session of exams (except for the score obtained during the practical courses which is no longer taken into account).

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Report of mark between the first and second examination period, or to the next year: if final mark is at least 10/20.

Contacts

- Prof. J. Dommes (j.dommes@ulg.ac.be)
- Dr. G. Castillo, Research assistant (g.castillo@ulg.ac.be)
- Dr. V. Goosse, Research assistant (v.goosse@ulg.ac.be)
- Dr. M.-F. Versali, Research Assistant (mfversali@ulg.ac.be(Carole.Gauthier@ulg.ac.be) )
- Dr. M. Lebrun, Assistante (mlebrun@ulg.ac.be(Carole.Gauthier@ulg.ac.be) )
- S. Brouwers, secretary (s.brouwers@ulg.ac.be)

Items online